How we got here
After a dog injured itself in July at the Conroe Animal Shelter, City Council terminated its contract with the former operator Care Corporation, as previously reported.
After City Council voted against a bid submitted by Texas Litter Control in October, the shelter is now operated by the city under the police department.
Budget explained
Previously, the shelter was operating with a budget of $847,417, which was insufficient to operate the animal shelter, according to the agenda item. The $847,417 funded 12 part-time employees and two part-time veterinarians, said Interim Police Chief Lee Tipton during the Dec. 11 workshop meeting.
According to a workshop presentation, the $1.6 million includes:
- $907,741 from the reserve fund
- $502,583 from the general fund
- $250,000 from a reserve fund transfer
According to a presentation, of the approved remaining $1.6 million budget, the proposed costs include $327,767 for supplies such as:
- General, office and cleaning supplies
- Building and equipment repair
- Fees/services
- Advertising
- Medical needs/medications
- “The vision is going to be that when animals come here, they're lost, they're abandoned [and] they're scared. Some of them are injured. We want to take them in. We want to make sure that they're cared for. We want to make sure that staff take good care of them. We check their medications, we get them up to where they need to be healthy and happy,” Tipton said in a Dec. 16 city video posted via Facebook. “We want to have some enrichment programs where they're here at their stay and they're able to grow and become comfortable with the environment and comfortable with people. That way, when someone comes to adopt them, they'll be able to go to a forever home.”
- “I appreciate all that [Tipton] and your fellow workers have done,” council member David Hairel said during the Dec. 11 workshop meeting. “It is amazing that you're starting from the foundation, and it's a long process. It's not going to be perfect from day one, but I appreciate all that you've done, and I compliment you and respect you for your work.”
- “We've got to get it right. We really do. I know that this council is committed,” Mayor Duke Coon said in the Dec. 11 workshop. “They worked hard, and as we move through this and have the $1.6 million budget, if there's more needed in the future, I think you've got the support of this council to get you what you need over there.”
